SCHOOLS in Hartlepool could receive a £100m boost in a bid for Government funding.

Councillors will be asked next week to approve an approach to the Government that could result in the funding.

A report from Adrienne Simcock, Hartlepool Borough Council's director of children's services, gives details of two separate Government funding programmes that councils are being encouraged to tap into.

The first - Primary Capital Programme - is to begin in 2008-9 and will run for 15 years.

The aim is to rebuild, remodel or refurbish at least half of all primary schools.

The second, and much bigger programme for secondary schools, is Building Schools for the Future (BSF), which was launched in February 2003.

The report says: "The prime intention of the Government is to rebuild or renew every secondary school in the country over a 15-year period, in order to provide 21st Century facilities for all secondary age pupils.

"Hartlepool council has been informed that its indicative funding for BSF is approximately £90m, of which £9.25m is intended for information and communications Technology (ICT) developments.

"Coupled with Primary Capital Programme potential income, this suggests that investment in Hartlepool schools over the coming years could be well in excess of £100m."

Before the council puts in its bid, it must demonstrate it can deliver the massive programme of works that would be required.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is too good an opportunity to pass by, and I am certainly in favour of pursuing funding from these initiatives.

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is our responsibility as elected representatives to bring our schools up to the standards that the young people of our town deserve."

The report also recommends that that the council works closely with schools and other key organisations in developing the bid.

The cabinet meeting to consider the issues takes place in the civic centre starting at 9am on Monday.